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Hydropower in Namibia

Hydropower in NamibiaNamibia, a small nation in Southern Africa, has begun making strides toward renewable energy, which has dominated its market. The country has a demand of 600 MW but only a generation capacity of 486.5 MW, which is expected to grow as the population increases year after year. The government of Namibia wishes to boost its generation to fulfill its requirements and provide electricity to all educational institutions and health care facilities by 2020. However, in 2024, the country still doesn’t generate even half of what it consumes.

Additionally, Namibia has an electrification rate of 50%. However, this doesn’t display the full picture as there is a huge disparity between urban and rural areas. Urban areas have an electrification rate of 72% and the rural regions only have a rate of 21%. With more than 46% of people living in rural areas, many citizens lack options. At the time, there was truly no hope for the Namibia population. However, all hope is not lost. The International Renewable Energy Agency researched the situation of South Africa and Namibia in particular and found that focusing on renewable energy could be the solution to Namibia’s energy poverty. With nearly 21.6% of Namibians unemployed, equipping these workers with the training required could also ease the unemployment rate.

Namibia’s Renewable Energy Initiative

In 2021, the government of Namibia passed the Second Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPPII). The HPPII is a government-powered group of targeted policies aimed at providing enhanced services, boosting the economy, combatting poverty and engendering inclusive growth. The push for this campaign came after the country was found struggling after the pandemic.

This initiative was intended to completely reform the country from how it handled conflict with other countries to how to deliver electricity to its people. The initiative also builds on Namibia’s current energy production while ensuring that the country prioritizes clean, renewable energy.

Currently, Namibia produces most of its energy in a renewable fashion through hydropower. Roughly two-thirds of the country’s energy production comes from hydropower. Specifically, four power stations produce approximately 60% of the country’s energy, leaving the population vulnerable if one shuts down. The current plan is to slowly build more solar and hydropower projects to boost the country’s production and decrease the reliance on any project and other countries for energy. 

Namibia has a unique geographical advantage that makes it perfect for solar projects. With a lack of dense areas and an abundance of flat land that receives a lot of sunlight, Namibia can drastically increase its production through the use of solar farms. Additionally, this can bring in many new high-skilled jobs.

Conclusion

While renewable energy in Namibia is still an emerging market, it has the potential to completely shift the narrative of the country. It can provide millions of jobs and lift many people out of poverty while providing clean electricity to the population. By harnessing its unique hydropower and solar advantage, Namibia can meet its energy needs and achieve much more.

– Aman Chaudhary
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Policy Is Promoting a Revolution of Renewable Energy in Eswatini

Renewable Energy in EswatiniIn the heart of the Southern African plains lies Eswatini, a small landlocked country formerly known as Swaziland. A nation that has long relied on neighboring South Africa and Mozambique for unsustainable fossil fuel-based electricity imports, renewable energy in Eswatini is quickly diversifying.

The transformative journey culminated at the COP26 conference, where Eswatini committed to an ambitious 50% surge in renewable energy production by 2030. This pledge signifies a crucial step toward Swazi energy independence, bridging the stark urban-rural economic divide and promising new employment and educational opportunities.

The commitment is more than a superficial gesture. In collaboration with private entities and foreign aid programs, the Swazi government is taking crucial and necessary steps to advance its energy infrastructure and deliver power to the 17% of the population (more than 200,000 people) living without it.

By investing in renewable energy and expanding electric connectivity, the government aims to liberate unelectrified Swazi citizens from the energy poverty trap, enabling them to realize their untapped potential. These are the four key sectors of renewable energy in Eswatini that are receiving strategic government investments and support.

Biomass Energy

In 2020, bioenergy from burning natural materials such as wood and sugar cane waste constituted 97% of the supply of renewable energy in Eswatini. The government issued an Independent Power Producer (IPP) license to Ubombo Sugar Limited (USL), a private sugarcane agricultural company with a 40% government stake, marking a significant milestone in expanding the bioenergy sector.

USL’s connection to Eswatini’s national grid now contributes 31% of local grid-electricity production, pivotal in the country’s impressive 32% point increase in electricity access between 2011 and 2021.

To electrify the whole population, Eswatini initiated the Partnership for Affordable Renewable Energy in Swaziland (PARES) in 2018. Through public-private partnerships (PPPs), PARES aims to promote sustainability in the bioenergy industry while addressing crucial issues such as investment reliability and unemployment, particularly among the country’s marginalized youth.

Solar Panels

Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are increasingly prominent sources of small-scale electricity production in Eswatini. The government actively encourages the adoption of solar panels in residential and commercial buildings to provide both electricity and water heating. Continued innovation drives down PV cell prices, promoting off-the-grid power and easing the strain on electricity imports. This individualized approach empowers rural communities, increasing access to education, health care and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Shifting focus to larger-scale projects, such as the Eswatini Solar-Storage Project by Frazer Energy, by granting IPP licenses is poised to increase electricity access, create jobs and even export power to communities throughout Southern Africa. Additionally, the government-owned Eswatini Electric Company (EEC) completed the Lavumisa Solar PV Plant in 2021. Projects such as these conserve millions of liters of fuel throughout their lifetime and ensure year-round reliable and sustainable electrification for public facilities.

Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectric power currently stands as one of the most prominent energy sources in Eswatini. The EEC operates four hydropower plants, constituting 15% of the country’s electricity production and plans to bolster the existing infrastructure.  The EEC and the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) have expressed interest in conducting feasibility tests and environmental impact assessments on further investment in hydroelectric energy and project expansions.

The government also granted an IPP to Middle Lusutfu Hydropower Ltd., an energy company aiming to increase Swazi hydroelectricity production by more than 20%. These initiatives showcase the government’s endorsement of investments toward long-term economic growth and providing the impoverished with the resources they need to thrive.

Wind Turbines

While wind energy production in Eswatini is negligible, the country’s mountainous regions hold immense potential for installing wind turbines. Government feasibility studies in the Lubombo Plateau, a largely uninhabited and undeveloped region near the border with Mozambique, are ongoing. No official data from these studies or information regarding international collaboration is publicly available. However, the Swazi government’s engagement with the possibility is a testament to its commitment to energy security and independence.

Through hands-on investment and partnerships with private corporations, the Swazi government exemplifies how emerging economies can electrify their populations with cutting-edge renewable energy technology. There is still much work and foreign investment can accelerate the process. Eswatini offers numerous foreign business incentives, including tax deductions, duty-free imports of machinery and repatriation of profits, ensuring mutual benefits for investors and the Swazi people.

Final Remark

The electrification of Eswatini promises its energy-deprived citizens more than just basic household power. It heralds a new era of economic expansion, immediately offering job prospects in construction and laying the groundwork for internet-driven startups to flourish. Electricity also plays a pivotal role in bolstering health care and education, empowering communities to chart a path towards prosperity. Furthermore, reliable access to electricity will strengthen social bonds, nurturing a sense of belonging and active engagement within the wider Southern African economy.

Eswatini’s energy revolution is a testament to its dedication to sustainability and self-sufficiency. As Eswatini strides into the future with renewable energy, the convergence of local innovation, international collaboration and growth-oriented policies promises to illuminate every corner of the nation. This positions Eswatini as a beacon of inspiration for other developing nations navigating toward a self-reliant future.

– Matthew Candau
Photo: Unsplash

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Access to Electricity in the Central African Republic

Electricity in the Central African RepublicThe Central African Republic (CAR), is one of the poorest countries in the world. Currently, efforts are being made to bring electricity to those without it. These projects, if successful, could almost double the country’s electricity generation capacity, according to the World Bank, which is funding some of these projects. This increased access to electricity in CAR, primarily from renewable sources, will bring new energy into this impoverished country’s infrastructure and quality of life.

About CAR

CAR is one of the poorest and most unstable countries in Africa and the world. Violence and conflict have been a reality in the country for decades and a military coup in 2013 resulted in various groups fighting within the country since then. This violence has displaced approximately 1.4 million people, with almost 750,000 people having to flee the country altogether.

This ongoing cycle of conflict has made humanitarian assistance difficult in CAR, which has posed a devastating problem to those living in extreme poverty, a population that numbers approximately 71% of the country’s 6.1 million people. Consequently, the rates of acute hunger and gender-based violence in CAR are both high. Additionally, education rates are low and the country’s economy has experienced an ongoing crisis in recent years.

A Glimpse of Hope in CAR

However, not all is dark in CAR. Funding for humanitarian aid from the international community is working to address poverty. One hardship that some actors are aiming to tackle is access to electricity. At present, only 14.3% of the population in the country has access to electricity. This service is largely limited to the capital city, Bangui. The figure drops dramatically in rural areas, with just 2% of the population having electricity. Almost all energy production in the country currently comes from biofuels like wood or charcoal or fossil fuels like diesel.

Renewable Energy in CAR

Renewable energy can open the door to electricity access for thousands in the Central African Republic. Currently, multiple actors are taking different routes to realize the potential of the country’s renewable energy resources. The African Development Fund, a part of the African Development Bank, has provided millions in funding for rehabilitating the Boali hydroelectric plant, which is expected to provide electricity to 100,000 people in CAR and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The World Bank has also rolled out multiple projects to increase solar energy production in the CAR. These efforts have included not only improvements to existing electricity infrastructure and the creation of new and improved transmission lines but also the building of a 25-megawatt solar panel site that was completed in November 2023. This solar park will provide electricity to 250,000 people in the capital city of Bangui.

Final Remark

The effects of increased electricity access in the Central African Republic will enormously benefit the country. According to Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, “Thanks to this project, health centers, schools and businesses will have increased access to electricity and this will enhance productivity and promote job creation.” Access to electricity in CAR, brought on by tapping into the country’s renewable energy potential, has and will continue to bring progress to the country’s economy and the quality of life for the millions living in poverty.

– Lyle Seeligson
Photo: Flickr

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Micro-Hydropower Dams Light the Way in War-Torn Myanmar

Micro-Hydropower DamsThe ongoing conflict in Myanmar has caused immense hardship, displacing millions and disrupting essential services. However, amid the challenges, hope emerges in remote villages. Micro-hydropower dams, harnessing the power of rushing rivers, are proving to be more than just a source of electricity – they are fostering self-sufficiency and resilience for communities facing immense adversity. Micro-hydropower provides reliable electricity, enabling villages to operate medical equipment, power schools for extended hours and improve communication infrastructure. This fosters a sense of normalcy and stability in a region grappling with conflict.

A Beacon of Hope in Conflict-Stricken Myanmar

Micro-hydropower provides a decentralized solution for communities in geographically isolated areas to build and manage their own standalone power systems where traditional electricity grids and infrastructure are inaccessible. This offers much-needed lighting for homes and energizes essential services like health care facilities, schools and water pumps, improving living standards and promoting community development. Micro-hydro projects can be constructed and maintained with local materials and expertise, reducing dependence on external aid and fostering a sense of ownership within the community. This empowers individuals and communities to take charge of their own development trajectory.

The World Bank estimates that around 736 million people globally lacked access to electricity in 2020, with a significant portion residing in conflict-affected regions. Traditional grid extension is often impractical in these areas due to security concerns and damaged infrastructure. However, micro-hydropower dams emerge as a viable alternative, offering a localized and sustainable solution for communities seeking to rebuild their lives. Micro-hydropower plants require minimal infrastructure compared to traditional grid connections, making them suitable for remote areas with difficult terrain or damaged electrical grids. This allows for quicker restoration of basic necessities and paves the way for future development.

Fostering a Sustainable Future

Beyond basic needs, micro-hydropower dams are igniting economic opportunities in war-torn Myanmar. The availability of electricity empowers local businesses, from small shops and workshops to agricultural processing units. This fosters income generation, creates jobs and stimulates the local economy, providing a pathway towards sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

Furthermore, micro-hydropower dams contribute to environmental sustainability. Unlike fossil fuel-based generators, often used in conflict zones due to their portability, micro-hydro plants produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This aligns with Myanmar’s growing commitment to environmental protection and its efforts to rebuild sustainably. Micro-hydropower leverages a renewable resource, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner environment.

Additionally, micro-hydropower can contribute to long-term stability and peacebuilding efforts by fostering self-reliance and economic empowerment. Micro-hydro projects can serve as a focal point for community development, bringing people together to work towards a common goal. This promotes social cohesion and creates a sense of shared purpose, paving the way for lasting peace and reconciliation.

Conclusion

In the face of immense challenges, the communities in war-torn Myanmar are demonstrating remarkable resilience. By embracing innovative solutions like micro-hydropower, these communities are a testament to the human spirit’s unwavering pursuit of a brighter future powered by their own ingenuity and the force of nature.

– Vincenzo Marino
Photo: Flickr

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How Wind Power in Nicaragua Is Alleviating Poverty

How Wind Power in Nicaragua Is Alleviating PovertyIn the heart of Central America, Nicaragua is making waves in the realm of sustainable energy. Amidst economic challenges and a history of poverty, the country is taking significant strides toward a brighter future by tapping into a vast and often underutilized resource—the power of the wind. The advent of wind power in Nicaragua, through groundbreaking initiatives in harnessing wind energy, not only addresses its energy needs but also catalyzes poverty alleviation.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 25% of people in Nicaragua live in poverty, making it one of the poorest nations in Latin America. Furthermore, nearly 65% of the population works in agriculture— an unreliable industry due to the country being prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and droughts.

Unfortunately in 2022, Nicaragua was hit by Hurricane Julia, which drove poverty in vulnerable areas up to 40%. Hazardous weather and the lack of jobs outside of farming means that much of the population is at a high risk of experiencing poverty.

The Potential of Wind Energy

With its strategic geographical location, Nicaragua boasts impressive wind resources, especially along its Pacific coast. According to EV Wind, the country has an average wind speed of 9 meters per second, making it an excellent location for wind farming. In fact, the wind farms have become vital contributors to the national energy grid— two farms, Amayo and Eolo, both located in the Rivas region, contribute massively to the country’s supply of energy.

According to data from Power Technology, the farms collectively offset nearly 300,000t of carbon dioxide emissions annually, aiding the country’s goal of generating 91% of its energy from renewable sources by 2027. The World Bank Group reported that the Eolo wind farm alone produces 7% of Nicaragua’s annual energy demand. By creating energy locally, the farms help to reduce the average marginal costs of generation, reducing the energy cost to the population.

Job Creation and Economic Growth

One of the immediate impacts of the investment into wind power in Nicaragua is the creation of employment opportunities. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reported that since 2008, the employment rate has increased from 59% to 62% in 2022.

The country experienced a higher rate of 63% in 2017 and dipped to 60.5% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The construction, operation and maintenance of wind farms have generated jobs across various skill levels, providing income to local communities.

According to Wind Power International, the construction of the Eolo wind farm generated about 400 jobs, alongside 40 full-time positions that oversee ongoing operations. As these projects expand, so does the demand for a skilled workforce, further boosting Nicaragua’s economy and providing a pathway out of poverty for many.

Access to Clean Energy

One of the significant challenges faced by impoverished communities is the lack of access to reliable and affordable energy. The focus on wind power in Nicaragua plays a crucial role in overcoming this hurdle. The National Electric Transmission Company (ENATREL) published data stating in 2022, nearly 71% of Nicaragua’s energy came from renewable sources, including wind power, hydropower and geothermal power.

Furthermore, by diversifying its energy mix, the country is not only ensuring a more stable and resilient power supply but is also working toward making electricity more accessible to remote and underserved areas. The integration of wind power into Nicaragua’s energy grid has contributed to a reduction in the cost of electricity, making it more affordable for households and businesses alike.

However, CEIC Data reported that in 2008, Nicaragua’s household energy price was at an all-time high of $0.300 per kWh and experienced a record low of $0.220 in 2021. This data directly correlates with the installation of wind farm projects in the country, proving its hand in making electricity more accessible. This, in turn, stimulates economic activities, creating a positive cycle of growth that directly impacts poverty reduction.

International Collaboration and Investment

Nicaragua’s journey into wind power has attracted attention and support from the international community. Collaborations with foreign investors, NGOs and development agencies have facilitated the financing and implementation of ambitious wind energy projects.

For example, the OPEC Fund for International Development reported in 2020 that it had provided $25 million toward Phase I and II of the Caribbean Coast Rural Electrification Process. The project aims to provide reliable electricity to more than 300,000 people in remote areas of Nicaragua.

Moreover, this support not only brings in the necessary funds but also contributes to knowledge transfer and technology exchange, enhancing Nicaragua’s capabilities in sustainable energy development. Nicaragua’s bold steps toward harnessing wind power are transforming the nation’s energy landscape and, more importantly, the lives of its people.

In addition, the commitment to sustainable development, job creation and community empowerment exemplifies the potential of renewable energy as a catalyst for poverty alleviation. As the winds of change continue to blow, Nicaragua stands as a shining example of how strategic investments in clean energy can create a more equitable and prosperous future for a nation grappling with the challenges of poverty.

– Lauren McKenna
Photo: Flickr